Author's Note- Hello! I'm back with a new chapter! I hope you all haven't given up on me! Enjoy the story! R & R! Thanks!
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or its characters. Only my own!
Chapter 13
I sat on the bed and watched Shika get ready. I was pretty upset about being left behind again, but I knew why Shika was concerned. I'd already pushed myself earlier that day.
"I'll be back before you know it," he said as he placed a kiss on my forehead. He walked out the door and I started pacing. I hated being stuck in the room alone. Suddenly, I got an idea. I quickly changed into civilian clothes and left the inn.
I had been walking for a long time without seeing a thing. I was about to head back to the inn when a man jumped into the street in front of me.
"You're coming with us," he said gruffly. I started to make hand signs behind my back when my wrists were grabbed and bound.
"Nice try," the man behind me said.
"Let me go!" I screamed. The men laughed. Pain erupted in my skull and my vision went black.
I woke up in a dark room, tied to a chair.
"Finally awake? About time," a gruff voice said. A large man with a scar around his neck stepped out of the shadows. He slid his finger down my cheek and I shuddered. That earned me a backhand to the face.
"Why? Why are you doing this?" I asked as I tasted blood in my mouth. He laughed.
"'Why', you ask? Because it's fun. And people fear us. We've shown our power and they are afraid," he answered.
"There are others. They'll find you," I told him. He backhanded me again.
"I never would've picked you to be the feisty type," he said with a grin. "Unless, perhaps, you would fuss about this." He held up my wedding ring. I pulled at the ropes around my wrists. He knelt in front of me. "You really are a devoted little wife, aren't you? Do you want it back?" he asked cruelly. I spat blood in his face. He grabbed my hair and yanked harshly, causing me to cry out.
"What do you want with me?" I replied hoarsely.
"Nothing in particular. We'll play for a while and when I get bored, well, I'll get rid of you," he explained. At that moment, true brain-numbing fear struck me. I closed my eyes as I prayed to Kami.
'Keep Shika and the others safe. Don't let these guys find them. And please, if they don't kill me, let my baby be okay.' I felt pain in my head again and passed out.
"Wake up!" I heard a young voice say. I slowly opened my eyes and a young boy stood in front of me. He looked like a smaller, younger, and possibly kinder version of the man with the scar. "Wake up! I brought food."
"Why are you here?" I asked weakly.
"Stupid lady! I told you I brought food," he answered.
"I meant, why are you in this horrible place?"
"It's not horrible! My dad lives here with me. You just don't like it 'cause you're bad." He held out a bowl of rice and chopsticks.
"You'll have to untie me," I told him. He rolled his eyes.
"Well, duh! Oh, and there's no use in trying to run away. There are guards right outside the door." He untied me and handed me the food. I ate quickly.
"Thank you," I said as I gave the bowl and chopsticks back.
"You're one weird lady," he replied as he retied my wrists. He left quickly after that.
A few days had passed since I was first captured. Apparently, I wasn't interesting enough to keep around any longer and that man decided to get rid of me.
"Well, it's your final day in this world. Are you scared?" he asked with a cruel smile.
"Yes," I replied. "But not for myself." He slapped me so hard that my vision went blurry. I could see him getting ready to punch me in the stomach but then moonlight flooded into the room and he froze. I noticed that his shadow was way too long and that there were three figures behind him. One with red hair, one with blonde, and one with raven hair in a ponytail.
"Get away from her," a very angry, very familiar voice. My vision cleared and I saw Shika, Kouhei, and Naruto. Kouhei and Naruto went after the group of men scattered around the room. Shika made the man with the scar face him. His hand wrapped tightly around the man's throat. "If we weren't under orders to bring you in alive, I'd kill you right here. You did a good job hiding. But I will never let anyone take her from me," he said, his voice now eerily calm. He released the man from his grip, but I saw the shadow hands close around his throat. When he was unconscious, Shika withdrew the shadow hands. All the other men were already taken care of and the Uzumakis were dragging them outside.
"Shika, I missed you," I said as he quickly untied my wrists. He moved so he was in front of me and wrapped his arms tightly around me.
"Kami, I'm so happy you're okay," he said as he held me tightly. He was shaking and I felt tears running down my face.
"I'm so sorry," I sobbed. "I shouldn't have left the inn. It was a stupid thing for me to do when my strength wasn't recovered." He looked up and gave me a small reassuring smile.
"Everything is okay now," he told me.
"You aren't mad?"
"Not at you." He looked to the scarred man passed out on the floor next to us. "That bastard, on the other hand, has made me the angriest I've ever been." He ran his hand over my cheek. "How dare he hurt you like this."
"Can we leave, Shika?" I asked. He gently scooped me up in his arms and kissed me lovingly.
"Of course," he answered and we left.
We got back to the inn and went to our room. He put me on the bed and headed towards the door.
"It's late, but I'm going to get Sakura to make sure you're okay," he explained. He started to walk out.
"Hey, Shika?" I said. He turned around. "I love you." He gave me a small smile and walked out. He returned shortly with Sakura in tow. She sat on the bed next to me and focused her chakra in her hands. She moved them over me and smiled when she'd finished.
"Well, the only thing other than the visible bruises and cuts is that you have a minor concussion," she told me.
"Only a minor one?" I asked. She nodded. "I'm must have a harder head then I thought," I added with a laugh. "I got hit pretty hard."
"Thanks, Sakura. We'd like to be alone now," Shikamaru said suddenly. Sakura bowed and left. Shika then climbed into bed and covered us with the blanket. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close.
"I'm glad to be out of there," I said quietly.
"And I'm glad you're safe with me." He buried his face in my hair. "Don't ever leave me. Please," he whispered. I looked up at him.
"I'll never leave you. I'm yours and you're mine. Nothing can tear us apart." I moved my left hand up to stroke his cheek and I noticed that my wedding ring was gone. "No!" I cried. I tried to get up, but Shika held me tight.
"What's wrong?" he asked as he wiped away the tears that started to fall.
"He took my ring! That bastard took my ring!" Shika stared at me, shocked that I swore (something I never did). He could tell how upset I was. He pulled me closer and held me as I cried angrily. "I'm so sorry. I'm such a horrible wife."
"It wasn't your fault. He took it while you were being held captive. There wasn't anything you could do." He tilted my chin up and kissed me. "And I couldn't ask for a better wife. I love you, Yumi."
"I love you, too, Shika." He kissed me again and then someone knocked on the door. He got up and answered it.
"Hey, Shikamaru," I heard Kouhei say. He held something out to Shika. "I found this and I thought that Yumi would like to have it back."
"Thanks, Kouhei," Shika replied.
"You're welcome. See ya in the morning !" Shika closed the door and climbed back into bed. He then took my left hand and slid my ring back on my finger. I smiled brightly.
"My ring! I'll have to thank him tomorrow," I said happily. Shika curled his arms around me and we fell asleep.
The next morning everyone met in the lobby of the inn with all their stuff. Shika stayed by my side the entire time we were preparing to leave. He wouldn't let me carry my things either, saying that he didn't want me to faint again. As we were on our way home, he wouldn't let there be more than two feet between us. At first, it was cute and sweet. But when we stopped to make camp, he took it a bit too far. We had everything set up so I started to walk into the woods to use the bathroom. He started to follow me and I turned to stop him.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Going with you. In case anybody's hiding in the woods."
"Shika, I'm going to the bathroom. I need a bit of privacy. If anything happens, I'll yell for you. I promise." He looked unconvinced.
"I'm not so sure…" I could feel myself getting very irritated.
"Look, Shikamaru, I need a few moments to myself. You've been right with me all day. I love you, but please give me a break!" I snapped. He stared at me for a moment. I could tell that he was angry, but all he did was nod.
"Okay. Call me if you need me," he replied and then walked away. I sighed but walked into the forest anyway.
When I returned a few minutes later, everyone was gathered around the fire. Naruto had Hinata curled up in his lap. Neji and Tenten were cuddled together, whispering. Kouhei was drooling over a picture of Anko while Sakura made some medicine. And…Shika and I were sitting five feet from each other. I glanced over at him and he was staring into the fire. I sighed quietly and got up to go to our tent. I was untying my hair when I heard the flap of the tent open and then close. I turned to see Shika watching me.
"Are you feeling okay? I know you said you wanted space, but I'm worried," he explained. His voice was firm but his cheeks were pink. I ran the short distance to him, wrapping my arms around him.
"I'm sorry I was so mean! I know you were only concerned for me. I'm so sorry," I exclaimed. He wrapped one of his arms around me and tilted my face up to his.
"I shouldn't have smothered you so much. Everyone needs their space. I just took protecting you too far," he said with a gentle smile. "I'm sorry. Let's go to bed. You'll need your energy for tomorrow." He gave me a gentle kiss and directed me to the futon. He blew out the lantern and climbed in beside me. I hid my face in the crook of his neck as he held me tight.
The next day, after we arrived home, we invited our parents to our apartment to tell them the news. When they arrived, we sat them on the couch and suddenly I became very nervous. Shika and I were making tea when I told him this.
"Do you think they'll be okay with this?" I asked quietly. My hands shook lightly as I poured the tea. He gently placed his hands over mine.
"Everything will be fine. Trust me," he assured. He placed a soft reassuring kiss on my forehead and carried the tray with the tea over to the coffee table. I followed him closely. As our parents started to drink their tea, Shikaku looked at us expectantly.
"Is there any particular reason you called all four of us here?" he asked. Shika wrapped his arm around my waist.
"A-actually, w-we have g-good news," I stuttered. Shika pulled me closer and placed his hand on my belly.
"Yumi's pregnant. We found out in Suna," he said. Our mothers cheered.
"I'm finally going to have a grandchild!" Yoshino said. "About time you exerted a little energy, you lazy boy!" she added, looking at Shika. My cheeks started to burn at her implications.
"Mom!" Shika exclaimed. Our fathers and my mother were trying to stifle their laughs. I felt a little lightheaded so I leaned on Shika a bit. He looked down at me and placed the back of his hand on my forehead before glaring at Yoshino.
"Mom, you're going to give her a fever!" He guided me to a kitchen chair and I sat down as our parents gathered around me. "Are you okay?" he asked me. I laughed and waved off his concern.
"I'm fine. I just got a little lightheaded," I said with a smile. Shika rolled his eyes. Yoshino slapped the back of his head.
"Don't roll your eyes at your wife!" she yelled. Shika frowned and rubbed the back of his head.
"What a drag," he muttered.
"Your face is still pretty red. Are you sure you're okay?" my mom said.
"I'll be okay." My dad and Shika moved me to the couch and they and Shikaku perched themselves on the coffee table.
"How far along are you?" my dad asked. I beamed.
"A little over a month."
"So it happened on the honeymoon," Shikaku said with a wink. I blushed again as everyone but Shika laughed. Instead, he sat frowning at his dad. "Oh, relax, Shikamaru." We talked with them for a long time and our moms started talking about a baby shower.
I was surprised when I opened the door the day to find Jishiru-sensei, Miroki, and Kokuru.
"Hey, kiddo," Sensei said with a grin. My teammates grinned, too. Jishiru-sensei had gray starting at the edge of his short black hair and his hazel eyes shined happily.
"We heard you were back and, since we were all home, we figured we could have lunch together," Miroki explained. I noticed that his brown hair had gotten longer and his pale blue eyes sparkled.
"You want to come with us?" Kokuru asked. He'd cut his black hair shorter and his smile reached his deep green eyes. I realized how much I'd missed having these three guys in my everyday life.
"Of course!" I slipped on my shoes and joined them.
As we walked, Miroki and Kokuru told me all about the missions they'd been getting. Many of them sounded similar to the one I had just gotten back from. This made me think that maybe there was something bigger going on behind the group that had captured me. But I would tell Lady Tsunade of my suspicions later.
"So what's been going on with you?" Sensei asked. I smiled.
"Actually, while we were in Suna, Shikamaru and I found out that we're going to have a baby," I told them. All three stopped instantly and stared at me. I blushed and giggled at the looks on their faces.
"No way," Miroki said, disbelieving. I nodded with a widening smile.
"It's true. I'm a little over a month along." Sensei wrapped an arm around my shoulders and hugged me.
"Well, boys, looks like our shy little Yumi is all grown up and becoming a mommy," he said with a laugh. I blushed deeper and they all laughed.
"Where do you want to have lunch? We'll treat you," Kokuru told me. I thought about it for a moment.
"How about ramen? Plus, I haven't seen the Ichirakus for a while."
"Sounds good!" he agreed.
We entered the shop and as soon as we sat down, Mr. Ichiraku and his wife came out of the kitchen.
"Well, hello! It's been a while since we've seen you four together," Mr. Ichiraku said with a grin. Miroki and Kokuru grinned back while sensei shook his hand. Mrs. Ichiraku, being the intuitive woman that she is, gave me an analytical look.
"Is there something new about you, Yumi? You seem to have a…glow about you," she said. I smiled.
"I'm pregnant!" I explained.
"Congratulations!" they said together. I was about to thank them when two little girls ran out from behind the counter.
"Yumi!" they cried. I climbed off the stool and hugged them.
"Aiko! Airi! Have you been good girls while I've been away?" I asked. They nodded enthusiastically.
"We're getting top marks in school!" Airi said happily. He indigo eyes were the only thing that was different from her sister. They had the same straight black hair and cute little faces.
"Our shuriken jutsu is really good, too!" Aiko's pale blue eyes shined proudly. "Are you really going to have a baby?"
"Yes, I'm very excited."
"How come your belly isn't big?" Airi asked.
"It's still going to be a while before my belly gets big. I'll make sure to come visit so you can see it when it's big. Okay?"
"Yay!" they cheered. I had a nice lunch and said goodbye to my team as I headed home.
"Onee-chan!" I turned as I heard Kimi's voice. She and Hiro were jogging towards me.
"Hey, guys!" I greeted.
"How did your mission go, onee-chan?" she asked.
"It went fine. Have you two been practicing?"
"Of course!" Hiro said proudly.
"Is what Kiko oba-san said true?" Kimi asked. "Are you and nii-san really having a baby?"
"We are! I guess news travels fast," I laughed.
"Kiko oba-san announced it to the whole clan when she and Yumimaro oji-san got home yesterday," Hiro explained.
"I see."
"Are we going to train today?" Kimi asked.
"Sorry. Not today. I need to be home when nii-san gets home. We can tomorrow, though," I told her.
"Okay! Tell nii-san we said hi!" she said as she and Hiro walked off. I smiled and headed home.
The door to the apartment opened and I ceased my meditation. I opened my eyes to see Shika closing the door.
"Welcome home," I said with a smile. He smiled and then smirked.
"Why does it seem like the whole village know about the baby?" he asked.
"Apparently, when Mon and Dad got home yesterday, my mom announced it to the entire clan."
"Mine, too." We laughed.
"And I told Jishiru-sensei, Miroki, Kokuru, and the Ichiraku family."
"I told all the guys except for Miroki and Kokuru, but you had that covered. I had at least three people I didn't know come up and congratulate me on my way home." I laughed and sat on the couch. Shika joined me and pulled me close to him. "A lot of things are going to change now."
"Yeah. We have to get a crib and baby clothes. All sorts of stuff. And we'll be in charge of another human life." I laid my hand on my abdomen and Shika laid his hand over mine.
"This baby will be amazing," he said as he kissed my forehead. I laid my head on his shoulder and snuggled closer to him.
"Yeah," I agreed.
It had been a few months and one morning I stood in front of the mirror in my and Shika's room, staring at my belly. I frowned at how big it was already.
"Hey, Shika, should my belly be this big already?" I asked. He was in the middle of getting ready to go to the Academy. When I spoke to him, he stopped and looked at my belly.
"I don't know, but we have an appointment with Sakura today so we can ask her then." I frowned again and rubbed my hands gently over my protruding belly.
"Okay…" I followed him to the door of the apartment and he kissed me goodbye.
"I'll come get you after work and we can head over to the hospital together. I love you." I smiled.
"Love you, too, Shika. Have a good day!" I closed the door and headed back into the bedroom. I stood in front of the mirror and pulled my shirt up to expose my belly. I stood sideways and stared at how far it stuck out.
"Why is it sticking out so far? It hasn't been long enough for it to be this big," I said aloud. I gently rested my hand on the top of my belly and sighed. "I hope you're fine. We're going to see Sakura later to see how you're doing," I said to my belly. I pulled my shirt back down and decided to pay Hinata a visit.
After I was let into the Huyga Estate, I ran into Hinata's dad.
"Good morning, Huyga-san," I said and bowed as much as I could.
"Good morning. Are you here to see Hinata?" he asked. I nodded. "She's in the garden with that Uzumaki boy." I said goodbye and headed that way.
I walked out into the garden and saw Naruto and Hinata cuddling under a tree. Naruto started to kiss down her jaw and then I cleared my throat. They both jumped and Hinata's face turned redder than my hair. Naruto grinned and scratched the back of his head in a nervous gesture, his face pink.
"Hey, Yumi! How's it going?" he asked. I laughed.
"Good! How about you?" I asked in return.
"Never been better! Enjoying my time with my Hinata-chan!" He pulled her closer and she blushed deeper.
"N-naruto!" He laughed and kissed her cheek. "How are you feeling, Yumi?"
"I'm good. Shikamaru and I actually have an appointment with Sakura today." I rubbed my back as it started to ache slightly.
"I'll help you sit, Yumi," Naruto offered. He got up and held my arm as I slowly lowered myself to the ground.
"Such a gentleman," I said. He blushed and grinned. Hinata smiled lovingly at him. "Sorry you had to help me. I don't know why I'm so big already. Maybe I've been eating too much."
"You look great, though," Hinata replied. "Pregnancy suits you." I laughed.
"Thanks." We sat and talked for a while. Eventually, I said my goodbyes so I could be home when Shika got home.
The door to the apartment opened and I put down the book I'd been reading.
"Hey, how was your day?" I asked Shika. He plopped down on the couch beside me.
"What a drag. One kid slept all day. And there was another one who would laugh at the kid next to him when the kid got the answer wrong. Then, that kid would yell back at the first one. Why can't they just learn like they're supposed to?" I laughed as he sighed.
"Well, the sleeping kid reminds me of a certain handsome shadow user," I said as I nudged him with my foot. "And the other two remind me of Naruto and Sasuke. Don't tell me you've forgotten our Academy days so easily, Shika." He chuckled softly.
"I haven't forgotten. but my future is more important than my past. like making sure you and our baby have a good life."
"I love you, Shika," I said with a smile."
"I love you, too. We need to be getting to the hospital." He stood up and held his hand out to me. I took it and he helped me up off the couch. I put on my shoes and we headed to the hospital.
Sakura was waiting for us when we entered the exam room.
"Hey, you two! How are you?" she asked with a smile. I smiled back.
"We're great!" I answered. Shikamaru nodded.
"Well, let's get started." I laid down and pulled my shirt up to expose my abdomen.
"Should my stomach be this big already?" I asked.
"Let's get the ultrasound going so we can check it out," she replied. She put the gel on the wand and placed it on my belly. She moved it around and then gasped.
"No way!" Sakura exclaimed.
"What?" we asked.
A/N- Cliffhanger! I just couldn't help myself. Also, I am now on deviantART. Be sure to check my page out! The username is otakuchick2014. I hope you'll go look at my art! Please review! Thanks!
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